Falcons opponents must be aware of running back Antone Smith’s big-play ability by now yet they still can’t stop him.
Smith’s 48-yard touchdown run against the Vikings Sunday was his third score in four games this season. All five of his career touchdowns have gone for at least 38 yards.
“His yards-per-touch are out of this world,” Smith said.
For his career, Smith has averaged 16.4 yards per touch (combined rushes and receptions) and his five touchdowns have averaged 45.6 yards. He averaged 29 yards on five carries with a 50-yard TD in 2013 and this season is averaging 29.8 yards per carry with touchdowns of 38 and 48 yards and also a 54-yard TD catch.
Smith, a special-teams standout, had just one rushing attempt during his first three seasons with the Falcons. Smith’s 38 plays from scrimmage this season are fourth among running backs behind Steven Jackson (109), Jacquizz Rodgers (95) and Devonta Freeman (47).
“Antone has got a special trait in that speed,” Smith said. “He is very fast and if he gets into the secondary and you are not taking the right angles he’s going to run away from you.”
